Bevelled Glass Souvenir Casket, Two Views of Blankenberghe, c.1905
A French bevelled-glass souvenir casket in gilt-brass mounts, made around 1900 to 1910 as a keepsake of Blankenberghe, the Belgian North Sea resort. It carries two views of the town, one on each lid.
The thick bevelled glass panels are set in a gilt-brass frame with a crimped gallery running every edge, four stamped foliate feet, two glass lids hinged along the central ridge, each with its own front clasp, and a bail handle over the top. Two of the panels hold photographic views behind the glass: one captioned Blankenberghe, showing the beach with its bathing tents and deck chairs, the other Blankenberghe, L'Estacade, showing the timber harbour jetty with a sailing smack alongside. Over both prints lie fine slivers of iridescent mother-of-pearl, the inlay that catches the light as the box is turned.
Inside is a ruched pink silk pincushion in the base and a cream silk lining to the lid, the casket built to sit on a dressing table and hold rings or small jewellery.
Condition is very good for age. The bevelled glass is all present and intact, with light cloudiness and fine surface scratches consistent with use. The gilding shows honest overall wear and rubbing across the mounts and feet. Both hinges and both clasps work, and the lids close securely. The four feet are solid. The bail handle appears original.
Blankenberghe grew into one of the busiest Belgian seaside resorts in the years before the First World War, and its estacade and beach were photographed and sold to visitors on caskets, boxes and cards exactly like this one.
